Carambola (Averrhoa carambola, Averrhoaceae or Oxalidaceae) is a species of tree native to Sri Lanka and popular throughout Southeast Asia. It is also grown in Brazil, Kumasi, Ghana, Guyana, Africa.

Tree description

The carambola tree has long compound leaves (upto 50 cm long), pink flowers that appear either at leaf axiles or branch extremities. The tree has much ramifications and can reach a height of 5 m. Unlike most tropical tree, the carambola does not need much sunlight.

Fruit description

Its fruit, the carambola or starfruit, is a golden-yellow to green berry. When cut across it shows a 5-pointed ( sometimes 6-pointed) star shape, hence its name. Taste is crunchy, acidulate and tangy, typical of citrus fruit and reminiscent of pineapple. Its grains are small and brown.

There are 2 varieties of starfruits: the acidulate one and the sweet one.

See also

Bilimbi

External links

• Scintro fruit book - All about fruits.